Daniel Whitfield

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster Daniel Whitfield, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Lackawanna during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the rebel ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. Acting as Captain of a gun, Quartermaster Whitfield coolly stood by his gun, holding on to the lock string and waited alongside the rebel ram Tennessee until able to fire the shot that entered her port. Quartermaster Whitfield courageously carried out his duties during the prolonged action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of Fort Morgan.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 45 (December 31, 1864)

Action Date: August 5, 1864

Service: Navy

Rank: Quartermaster

Division: U.S.S. Lackawanna